1983 Mercedes-Benz R107 380SL

Near unrepeatable R107 with minimal and confirmed 17,334 miles from new in 1983. Now classed as historic, due to this 380SL being first registered in March 1983 you could cruise the streets of the capital in this R107, looking agonisingly cool, smug in the knowledge you’re skipping the £12.50 daily ULEZ charge.

If that wasn’t enough to sway you, there’s also that incredible mileage figure, backed up by an extensive service history. The first owner also must have felt flush as they ticked more option boxes than most.

Said generous additional equipment from the factory included goodies like; paint protection, Michelin tyres for the 15-hole alloy wheels, ABS, limited-slip differential, cruise control, central locking, paint preservation, headlamp wipers and washers, rear seats and a fire extinguisher.

That’s on top of the already generous spec UK R107s shipped with, which included a heated rear screen for the hard-top, plus front electric windows and a single electrically-operated mirror. Since those big budget bits were bolted on, subsequent owners have also added an aftermarket cassette deck and fog lights.

As we all know, black’s the least forgiving colour out there. Absolutely any blemish, no matter how trivial, would stand out like a sore thumb. So, we’re happy to report that no such nasties grace this SL. Its gloss black body has a high polish that reflects everything and still looks exquisite. The leather seats, which incidentally were sourced and fitted by ourselves back in 2015, still looking absolutely stunning. The hide still supple and soft, with the seats and ambience cosseting in the way that only a classic Mercedes-Benz cabin can. Reflection from the chrome is almost blindingly bright, as its perfectly shining surfaces haven’t been blemished. The engine bay presents nearly as well with plenty of perfect plastics and parts proudly displaying their M-B parts stamps and factory stickers. It’s all very correct and original under here.

A host of history documents accompany this near incomparable 380SL, the mass majority of which we’re unable to catalogue here. It’s really best to come in to peruse said documents over a coffee. It makes for a good read, if you’re as focussed on details and excited by complete histories as we are, that is... This very special SL has been known to us for over a decade and in that time it’s been inside our workshops a couple of times. In between visits, we know the previous owner kept use to a minimum, while ensuring the car was properly stored and regularly exercised. We know this because we supplied the car to said owner and, as is often the case, he kept in touch. Our pre-sale works last time included adding that leather interior, fitting a new windscreen, finessing a few minor bodywork imperfections and cleaning and treating the car’s underside.

Very few 40-year old SLs come anywhere close to matching the condition of this one. It’s truly a remarkable survivor and we’re fascinated by the restraint previous keepers have shown, by using it so sparingly. The most recent custodian took the best care possible of his investment and that’s ensured it’s ready to go to a new home wanting for nothing.